“Think Small” by Noel Thomas

Actually, I’m not sure which was closer to overflowing – my arms or my heart!  Both were laden as we came home last night from the 8^th Annual 6×6 Art Show and Auction at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum.  Two coveted art treasures plus a profusion of memories and the warm glow of a perfect evening!

“Something Happening Here” was the event’s theme, inspired by the current special exhibition, “Flashback: Remembering the 1960s.”  And remember we did!  Two pieces of artwork, especially, called out to me – Jean Nitzel’s “POW” and Noel Thomas’s “Think Small.”  And we came home with both!  Unbelievable!  Both artists are long-time friends. Both paintings brought a multitude of flashbacks and connections – how the pop art of the 60s influenced both Charlie and Marta in their chosen careers and visions of the VW bugs we had all through the 60s and beyond.

Security Guard Richard Schroeder

Auctioneer Bruce Peterson was in his element.  OMG!  Was he really at Woodstock?  Could he truly see back beyond all the gray heads in the audience and ‘know’ what we were up to all those decades ago?  He wasn’t more than three sentences into the evening before he had bound us together, friends and strangers alike, into one wonderful glow of shared remembrances.  We laughed and nodded knowingly whether we’d been to the Haight or not.

As Bruce brought each piece of art to life, he seemed to connect the dots that Museum Director Betsy Millard had expressed so cogently on their webpage: “Many of the artists have dug deep into their memories to create some remarkable works that touch on themes common to both the 1960s and today.  From music to social justice protests, the 1960s continue to inspire creative expression.”

“POW” by Jean Nitzel

And… speaking of ‘expression.’  There was never a change in Security Guard Richard Schroeder’s!  He is the master of ‘holding a pose’ and when he stopped by our table afterwards to say ‘hello,’ – without his shades and full of smiles — neither Carol nor Tucker recognized him, though they had been admiring his devotion to duty all evening long!

For a couple who are never lucky in matters of raffles and auctions, coming home with the only two works of art that we especially coveted was more than amazing.  I give a lot of the credit to the teeny tiny red origami cranes that dangled from my ears – a gift of ‘good luck’ from our friend Kenny who brought them to me from his recent trip to Japan.  It was the first time they had ventured out with me and I could almost feel the karma gathering.

An Origami Crane for Good Luck!

It was an evening to remember and, you can be sure, that the two pieces of artwork will be ‘Forever Reminders.’